Which bone forms the prominence of the cheeks?

The zygomatic bone, often referred to as the cheekbone, is the structure that forms the prominent rounded contour of the cheeks. Its position contributes not only to the facial aesthetics but also plays a critical role in the facial architecture. The zygomatic bone connects with the maxilla, frontal bone, and temporal bone, providing support and shape to the midface.

In contrast, the maxilla is primarily responsible for forming the upper jaw and parts of the eye sockets, while the nasal bones contribute to the bridge of the nose. The frontal bone forms the forehead and parts of the eye sockets but does not contribute to the cheeks' prominence. This anatomical understanding highlights the zygomatic bone's unique role in defining the facial structure, particularly in the area of the cheeks.